The effect of Giardia lamblia on hematological and biochemical Parameters in school age children in Kirkuk

Abstract

Aim: - The study was planned to show the effect of Giardia lamblia infection on some hematological and biochemical parameters in school age children in Kirkuk city. Subjects and Methods: - the study was conducted for the period from February 2002 till January 2003, on a six hundred and forty five pupils chosen randomly from six primary schools in Kirkuk city. The age of the pupils were ranging from 6-15 years old. The stool sample was collected from each child and examined by direct wet mount technique. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tube from them for hematological investigations and without anticoagulant for biochemical analysis. Results:- it was found that children infected with Giardia lamblia had lower Hb, PCV, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and RBC values but their values were within normal range but was lower than control groups. The WBC values were increased in the infected groups, although the lymphocyte, monocyte percentage was at lowest normal range. While granulocyte percentage was lower in infected males and females than control group. The eosinophil percentage value did not differ in infected and control groups. Infected children had lower serum total protein, serum albumin and globulin, serum iron, serum zinc, and total iron binding capacity. Conclusion:- It is concluded from this study that Giardia lamblia infected children had lower hematological parameters, and biochemical values than controls.